Hellions is easily one of the worst films I’ve come across in the past few years, and only a smidge above the truly hellish Muck. I’m sure the filmmakers had the best intentions in giving a Troll-like film but unlike that one, which was bad but fun, this one is just plain bad, in spite of a decent enough performance by lead actress Chloe Rose.
Home Invasion isn’t going to challenge one’s mind or anything but it’s not a terrible movie, perfectly passable (not to mention safe) for what it is, a quick direct-to-video flick destined to air on Lifetime.
Hawaii is a lengthy but entertaining epic drama featuring solid performances from its core cast including Richard Harris, Julie Andrews and Max von Sydow as well as a small early role by Gene Hackman (only his third feature film). The Blu-ray released through Twilight Time is rather basic with few bonus features but the audio and video transfers are both well done.
From the Terrace is an amiable enough drama but it is long, or felt it at times, but the performances for the most part were good including, unsurprisingly, the venerable Paul Newman in the lead.
Meadowland is a respectable enough debut from Reed Marano to the point that although it misfires on an emotional level, not to mention the screenplay could’ve used a re-write, it does excel with a stellar performance by Olivia Wilde.
Burnt isn’t a bad little drama-comedy, propelled more on the performances by Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and Daniel Brühl than the culinary-centric plot itself. I don’t know if it’s worth a purchase (unless you like Cooper) but certainly worth a Redbox or Netflix rental.
Bound for Glory isn’t a fantastic movie and it is a bit long in the tooth at nearly two and a half hours but Guthrie as a person and his journey was interesting combined with an amazing performance from the always charismatic David Carradine does make for a worthwhile viewing.
“Mr. Robot”: Season 1 is a strong show from beginning to end (for the most part) and even with a predictable twist, there was just enough there to enjoy between an interesting story and strong performances from Rami Malek, Christian Slater and Martin Wallström makes this binge-worthy viewing.
The Intern has its problems for sure, specifically in the screenplay department where it is a half baked plot and gets sidetracked with semi-subplots that don’t amount to very much and are a bit too outlandish. That said, I did like the core cast, particularly Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway who made this far more entertaining than it really deserved.
Jem and the Holograms doesn’t have very much going for it, save maybe for Juliette Lewis who hammed it up well enough, and doesn’t even crossing into the so bad its good territory, and I’m not entirely sure if it’s even worth a Netflix/Redbox.
The Condemned 2 is merely the latest dumb direct-to-video to come down the pike with clunky dialogue, mundane action and poor acting albeit at least Eric Roberts was semi-enjoyable in his role for whatever that’s worth. No doubt if this sells well we’ll see a third entry probably starring Dean Ambrose or something.
Sicario is one of the best movies of 2015 thanks to the direction, cinematography and Del Toro’s brilliant performance which bizarrely was overlooked by the Academy. Beyond that, it’s just a well paced thriller that never lets up yet still some nice character moments.
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension is another dud of a sequel in a franchise that should’ve stopped at #3 in making for at least a endurable enough trilogy. While this entry is tolerable, it’s still really bad and tedious with little actual scares and once gain relies on jump scares more than anything.
Kings Go Forth is a well intentioned but ultimately ineffective war-romance-drama though the three leads – Sinatra, Curtis and Wood – all turn in fine performances. The Blu-ray released by Twilight Time offers good video and audio transfers but disappoints in the features department.
Downhill Racer is a well done crafted, and fantastically shot (the first-person view from the skier is exhilarating), sports movie with excellent performances by Robert Redford and Gene Hackman.